Leeds Rhinos v Salford Red Devils: Challenge Cup final predictions and preview

Free rugby league tips, best bets and analysis for the Coral Challenge Cup final between Leeds Rhinos and Salford Red Devils.

Where to watch

BBC1, 3pm Saturday

Best bets

Leeds to win by one to 12 points
2pts 2-1 Betfair, Betfred

L Gale to be named Man of the Match
2pts 7-2 Betfred

Match preview

For the first time in its 124-year history, the Coral Challenge Cup final will be played without spectators, but victory at Wembley on Saturday afternoon will be no less sweet for the 17 men from either Leeds or Salford who follow Warrington as Challenge Cup holders.

Playing behind closed doors has become the norm for Super League clubs over the last few months but corona virus has thrown up some unique challenges for the Challenge Cup with a redraw required after Toronto's demise and the withdrawal of many Championship clubs.

The anxious wait to find out the results of the weekly round of Covid-19 testing has also become de rigueur for head coaches and Salford were dealt a blow in the run up to Wembley as Dan Sarginson, their extra-time hero against Catalans in the quarter-finals, and Jack Ormondroyd were forced to miss the final after positive tests.

There was better news for Lee Mossop and Mark Flanagan who can play after testing negative after "inconclusive" tests earlier in the week.

Salford head coach Ian Watson has worked wonders with an unheralded squad to make a second major final in succession - they were beaten by St Helens in the 2019 Grand Final - and the belief he has instilled in his troops has been infectious.

The Red Devils never know when they are beaten, a trait they demonstrated to great effect against Warrington in their semi-final two weeks ago as they rallied from 14-8 down at the break to stun the holders and reach a first cup final in 51 years.

For Leeds, 2020 has been a season of progress after a couple of seasons in transition.

The Rhinos have not won a major trophy since the 2017 Grand Final but success at Wembley would signify that they are heading in the right direction after a couple of rocky years at Headingley.

The return of half-back general Luke Gale to his hometown club has been a defining factor in their revival and the former Man of Steel led from the front in the Rhinos' authoritative 26-12 semi-final success over Wigan.

Gale's game management and kicking game was superb against the Warriors and if Leeds can get their hands on the famous trophy for a 14th time then he is sure to have a defining influence on proceedings.

Leeds have won both of the pair's Super League clashes this term - 22-8 at Salford in February and a 50-12 drubbing of the Red Devils at the end of August - and four places higher in the league standings.

They are the right favourites to win at Wembley but this Salford side have shown that you write them off at your peril and there could only be a few points in it.

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